EAR SPRAY DEVICE AND EAR PROTECTION COMPOSITION FOR PREVENTING WATER RELATED EAR CANAL DISORDERS

Abstract

An ear spray device dispensing a pre-defined quantity of an ear protection composition capable of preventing ear canal disorders. The said composition includes Paraffinum Liquidum within the range of 90.0 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and Oreganum Oil within the range of 10.0 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v. The ear spray device includes a reservoir containing the said ear protection composition and a spray nozzle attached with the said reservoir through a pump mechanism. The said spray nozzle is adapted to spray the said composition in the ear canal of the user when the said device is in a substantially upright or a substantially inverted position.

Claims

1. An ear protection composition, wherein the said composition comprises: at least one mineral oil within the range of 90.0 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, wherein, the said mineral oil is selected from Paraffinum Liquidum; and at least one vegetable oil within the range of 10.0 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v, wherein, the said vegetable oil is selected from an Oreganum Oil.

2. The ear protection composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said mineral oil is in the range of 98.0 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and the said vegetable oil is within the range of 2.0 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

3. The ear protection composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the said mineral oil is in the range of 99.6 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and the vegetable oil is within the range of 0.4 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

4. The ear protection composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said composition is used for protecting a user's ear from waterborne ear canal disorders caused due to trapping of water in an ear canal of a person.

5. The ear protection composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said Orenagum Oil is an essential oil selected from at least one of an Oreganum compactum, an Oreganum vulgare, or a combination thereof.

6. The ear protection composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said composition forms a thin water repellent layer topically to an external ear canal of a patient.

7. An ear spray for protecting ear from water entrapment, wherein the said spray comprises a combination of oils selected from at least one of a water repellent agent, and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the said ear spray is applied in the ear canal by a metered dosage of at least 0.1 ml to 1.0 ml.

8. The ear spray as claimed in claim 7, wherein the said water repellent agent is selected from a Paraffinum Liquidum, and the said antimicrobial agent is selected from an Orenagum Oil.

9. The ear spray as claimed in claim 8, wherein the said Paraffinum Liquidum is within the range of 90.0 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and wherein, the said Oreganum Oil is within the range of 10.0 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

10. The ear spray as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mineral oil is in the range of 98.0 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and the vegetable oil is within the range of 2.0 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

11. The ear spray as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mineral oil is in the range of 99.6 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and the vegetable oil is within the range of 0.4 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

12. A spray device for dispensing a pre-defined quantity of the ear protection composition in an ear canal of a user, the said device comprising: a reservoir containing the said ear protection composition comprising at least one of a water repellent agent, and an antimicrobial agent; a spray nozzle operatively coupled to the reservoir for spraying the said ear protection composition inside the ear canal; and a pump mechanism connecting the said reservoir with the said spray nozzle, wherein, the pump spray mechanism is adapted to draw the said ear protection composition from the said reservoir and spray the said composition in a metered dosage via the spray nozzle in the ear canal of the user, wherein the said composition comprises, a water repellent agent comprises Paraffinum Liquidum, and an antimicrobial agent comprises an Orenagum Oil, wherein the said composition forms a water repellent layer inside the ear canal of the user.

13. The ear spray device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said Paraffinum Liquidum is 99.9 percent w/v and Oreganum Oil is 0.1 percent w/v.

14. The ear spray device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said mineral oil is in the range of 99.6 percent w/v to 99.9 percent w/v, and the vegetable oil is within the range of 0.4 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

15. The ear spray device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said metered dosage of the ear protection composition is 0.1 ml to 1.0 ml.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0038] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention is to be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0039] A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings. Moreover, the advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of the ear spray device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a third angle projection of the ear spray device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the ear spray device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a composition, device, and method for preventing ear canal disorders using ear spray device. Moreover, the principles of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to FIG. 1.

[0045] In the following detailed description of illustrative or exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. For example, specific details such as specific method steps, structures, compositions, elements, and connections are presented herein. However, it is to be understood that the specific details presented need not be utilized to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the invention.

[0047] It is intended that the terminology used in the description presented be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

[0048] The exemplary embodiments described herein details for illustrative purposes are subjected to many variations. However, it should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to the ear protection composition. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0049] The terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0050] The terms having, comprising, including, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.

[0051] References within the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, embodiments, or one or more embodiments are intended to indicate that a particular feature, composition, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases in various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0052] The present invention discloses a method and composition for protecting ear from waterborne ear canal disorders by using ear protection composition.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of the ear spray device having ear protection composition for preventing waterborne ear canal disorders in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] Particularly, the device is an ear spray device useful in preventing common ear canal disorders caused due to trapping of water in the ear canal of the user.

[0055] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the ear protection composition includes 99.9% w/v of a mineral oil and 0.1% w/v of a vegetable oil. Preferably, in various embodiments, the mineral oil is in the range of 98.0 percent w/v to about 99.9 percent w/v, and the vegetable oil is within the range of 2.0 percent w/v to 0.1 percent w/v.

[0056] Even more preferably, the mineral oil is about 99.9 percent w/v and the vegetable oil is about 0.1 percent w/v.

[0057] In particular embodiments, the mineral oil is Paraffinum Liquidum and vegetable oil is an Oreganum Oil.

[0058] The said liquid paraffin used in the said composition is an oily, transparent and colorless liquid obtained in the process of petroleum distillation. At room temperature it is odorless and tasteless although if heated it will exert a petroleum smell. Due to its chemical properties, it has many uses including industrial, medical as well as cosmetics.

[0059] Furthermore, due to its oily (emollient) properties and water resistance, the said liquid paraffin can coat skin surfaces and membranes to naturally repel and dissipate water, which makes it an essential ingredient in the composition to form a waterproof barrier in the ear canal. The other advantage is that it is not readily absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes into the body and is non-toxic.

[0060] Moreover, the said Orenagum Oil is an essential oil selected from at least one of the species of the Oreganum family an Oreganum Compactum, an Oreganum Vulgare, a combination thereof.

[0061] The said oregano oil is usually derived from the leaves and flowers of Oregano (Origanum Vulgare), a hardy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. The oil contains compounds called phenols, terpenes and terpenoids which are known to have powerful antioxidant properties and are responsible for its distinctive fragrance. Some of the key components of the said oil are as follows: [0062] Carvacrolthis is the most abundant phenol in oregano oil, and it has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria. [0063] Thymolthis is known to be a natural antifungal compound and can also support the immune system and protect against toxins. [0064] Rosmarinic acidthis is known to be a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.

[0065] The said composition of the present invention forms a thin water repellent layer topically to an external ear canal of the user. Also, Orenagum Oil is an antimicrobial agent, a natural antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent and an antiseptic agent effective against a plurality of bacteria, a plurality of fungi, a plurality of viruses and microbes responsible for problems of said ear canal.

[0066] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the method for preventing ear canal disorders and/or ear problems includes applying the ear protection composition in a metered dose in the ear canal before entering into water. Preferably, the said metered dosage of the ear protection composition is 0.1 ml to 1.0 ml. However, it should be understood that such dosage volume should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention.

[0067] Particularly, as described above, the composition has a combination of oils selected from a water repellent agent and an antimicrobial agent. Moreover, the water repellent agent is Paraffinum Liquidum having 90.00% w/v to 99.75% w/v and antimicrobial agent is Orenagum Oil having 0.25% w/v to 10% w/v. Subsequently, the ear protection composition forms a thin water repellent layer topically to an external ear canal of a user.

[0068] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further discloses an ear spray device dispensing a pre-defined quantity of the ear spray to the ear canal of the user. Particularly, referring to FIGS. 1-3, the said ear spray device includes a reservoir (115) comprising the ear protection composition, a spray nozzle (108) having a pump mechanism.

[0069] In particular, the ear protection composition includes a combination of oils selected from water repellent agent and antimicrobial agent, according to various embodiments described hereinabove.

[0070] Moreover, the spray nozzle (108) is adapted to spray the combination of oils inside the ear canal of the user when the ear spray device is in either a substantially upright or a substantially inverted position.

[0071] The pump mechanism as provided herein includes a pipette (114) enclosed in a housing (100). The said pipette (114) extends into the said reservoir (115), wherein the said ear protection composition is stored.

[0072] Further, the said pump mechanism also includes a spring (102), a secondary piston (103), a piston (104), a collar (105), a gasket (106), an actuator (110), and a closure (107) adapted to close the opening mouth of the said reservoir (115).

[0073] In various embodiments, the spring (102), the secondary piston (103), the piston (104), the collar (105), the gasket (106), the actuator (110), and a closure (107) are arranged to form the pump mechanism and are covered by the dust cap (113).

[0074] Further, a rod (112) and a rotating block (111) operatively couples the pump mechanism with the spray nozzle (108) in such a form that the said ear protection composition is applied inside the ear canal when the said ear spray is in a substantially upright or a substantially inverted position.

[0075] As such, the pump mechanism operatively couples the reservoir (115) with the spray nozzle (108) and is adapted to draw the combination of oils from the reservoir (115) spraying the combination of oils via the spray nozzle (108) inside the ear canal of the user.

[0076] As described hereinabove, the combination of oils includes 99.9% w/v of Paraffinum Liquidum and 0.1% w/v of Oreganum Oil forming thin water repellent layer inside the ear canal of the user. The liquid coating applied to the outer ear canal specifically avoids over-pressure in the ear, and assures that bacterial formation is limited in the ear.

[0077] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the pre-defined quantity of ear protection composition as applied topically inside the ear canal is in a metered dosage of 0.1 ml to 1.0 ml. However, other metered dosages may also be used in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] Table 1 illustrates the preferred composition for preventing water related ear canal disorders in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Composition for preventing water related ear canal disorders Ingredient Amount % w/v Paraffinum Liquidum. 99.9 Oregano Essential Oil 0.1

Technical Characteristics/Parameters of the Composition and Device for Preventing Water Related Ear Canal Disorders

[0079] Table 2 illustrates general technical characteristics/parameters of the composition and ear spray device for preventing water related ear canal disorders in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Technical characteristics/parameters of the composition Parameter Device characteristics Class I medical device Yes Indications for Use For use in the Ear Canal Safe composition Yes Product suitable for babies, adults Yes and children. Preservative, steroid and drug free Yes Shelf-life 3 years Sizes available Up to 20 ml

Discussion on Biological Safety of the Composition

1. Biological Safety Evaluation (Safety of Liquid Paraffin)

[0080] Paraffinum Liquidum is a mixture of hydrocarbons having the general formula C.sub.nH.sub.n and is obtained from petroleum oil before being highly refined to a very pure form using filtration and acid treatment. Paraffinum Liquidum is an odorless and tasteless, translucent, and colorless. Paraffin is stable and should be stored below 40 C. in a well closed container.

[0081] Paraffinum Liquidum is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and non-irritant material when used in topical ointments and as a coating for tablets and capsules. However, granulomatous reactions may occur following injection of paraffin into tissue for cosmetic purposes or to relieve pain. Long-term inhalation of aerosolized paraffin may lead to interstitial pulmonary disease. Ingestion of a substantial amount of white soft paraffin is known to cause intestinal obstruction.

2. Safety of Oregano Oil

[0082] Oregano oil is known to be an irritant rather than an allergen, and a topical maximum has been set at 1.1% after which irritation can occur in some people. An adverse skin reaction study using undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating to mice, and moderately irritating to rabbits. In usual tests, the said oil tested at 2% on 25 volunteers it was neither irritating nor sensitizing. Oregano oil is non-phototoxic.

[0083] In a CAM (chorioallantoic membrane of the fertile chicken egg) assay, a model for detecting irritants, Origanum Onites Oil with 57.4% carvacrol and 11.6% thymol is strongly irritating. The level of Oregano Oil incorporated in the formulation is well below that noted to cause irritation or adverse skin reactions.

Cardiovascular Effects

[0084] Origanum Vulgare oil inhibits platelet aggregation, an essential step in the blood clotting cascade.

Reproductive Toxicity

[0085] When Origanum Vulgare oil was fed to pregnant mice for two weeks at 1,000 ppm (equivalent to 150 mg/kg), studies show there was a related increase in the rate of embryonic cell death.

Genotoxicity

[0086] Another study investigated the use of micronucleus and comet assay to evaluate the genotoxicity of oregano oil in rats orally exposed for 90 days. The results obtained in the genotoxicity assays indicated lack of effect in MN and standard comet assay under the conditions tested. Furthermore, no apparent oxidative damage was observed in the enzyme-modified comet assay in any of the tissues examined of rats exposed to oregano essential oil for 90 days. Therefore, this oregano essential oil appears to be safe in Wistar rats.

Oral Toxicity

[0087] A subchornic 90-day oral toxicity study of Oregano oil was conducted in rats. Data revealed no mortality and no treatment-related adverse effects of the OEO in food/water consumption, body weight, haematology, biochemistry, necropsy, organ weight and histopathology. These findings suggest that the oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of this OEO is 200 mg/kg bw in Wistar rats, the highest dose tested. In conclusion, the use of this OEO in food packaging appears to be safe based on the lack of toxicity during the sub-chronic study at doses 330-fold higher than those expected to be in contact consumers in the worst scenario of exposure.

[0088] Table 3 illustrates the clinical properties of the composition and ear spray for preventing water borne ear canal disorders in accordance with one or more embodiments of present invention.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Clinical properties of composition for preventing water related ear canal disorders Ear protection composition and ear spray for Clinical property preventing water borne ear canal disorders Intended purpose Ear protection composition and Ear Spray as disclosed in the present invention is designed for short-term use in the ear canal and up to the ear drum to help repel and prevent water from getting trapped in the ear canal during water related activities i.e. swimming, surfing, diving etc. By repelling water from the ear, and coating the lining of the ear, the said ear protection composition and ear spray prevents extended exposure and entrapment of water in the ear, thus helping prevent conditions such as Swimmers Ear (otitis externa) and narrowing of the ear (stenosis) and associated symptoms (itching, irritation, ear redness, tenderness, swelling, pain and discharge). Indications Person who are exposed to water and who at risk of developing ear canal disorders or surfer's ear. Contraindications The ear protection composition and ear spray as disclosed in the present invention is drug free so there are no known contraindications with the product. Side Effects No known side effects as long as instructions are followed, and the product is used topically in the ear canal only. If swallowed there may be side effects and medical advice should be sought. Target user groups Users of all ages. Target users Lay persons - adults and children under supervision. Can also be used by healthcare professionals. Mode of Application For short-term use in the ear canal. Duration of Use/number Apply 1-2 sprays to each ear before water of re-applications exposure, and then repeat after 2 hours of water exposure. Type of device-body Intended for short-term use in the ear canal. interaction

Requirement on Acceptability of Side-Effects

[0089] As per the evidence gathered and presented, it can be concluded that there are no known side-effects associated with the use of ear protection composition and ear spray as disclosed in the present invention, and the said composition and spray is safe for users of all ages.

Shelf-Life

[0090] Based on the product stability studies the ear protection composition and ear spray has been assigned a 3-year shelf-life.

Demonstration of Equivalence

[0091] The ear protection composition and ear spray are unique and have no equivalent devices available. However, the clinical, biological and technical characteristics of the product will be discussed based on the composition and properties of the ingredients used in the product.

[0092] Thus, the ear protection composition and ear spray as disclosed in the present invention has many advantages. At first, the composition is mainly cosmetic in nature. Accordingly, the composition is considered as safe and effective for preventing waterborne ear canal disorders.

[0093] The said composition does not does not pose any undue safety concerns to the end-users. This has been demonstrated from the study and literature reviewed on the basic ingredients as used in the said ear protection composition.

[0094] Also, no risks are associated with the use of the said composition. Moreover, no adverse events or safety issues are highlighted in any of the clinical data sources evaluated for the use of the basic ingredients as used in the ear protection composition and ear spray as disclosed in the present invention.

[0095] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0096] 101 Housing [0097] 102 Spring [0098] 103 Secondary Piston [0099] 104 Piston [0100] 105 Collar [0101] 106 Gasket [0102] 107 Closure [0103] 108 Nozzle [0104] 109 Dust Cap [0105] 110 Actuator [0106] 111 Rotating Block [0107] 112 Rod [0108] 113 Dust Cap [0109] 114 Pipette [0110] 115 Reservoir